Focus On Welding - 04/10/2025

Focus On Welding

Hazards of Weld Smoke and Fumes in the Workplace.

Overexposure to weld smoke and fumes can cause a wide range of health problems.

Metal dust particles in welding fumes are a leading cause of eye irritation in factories. Metal dust also can cause upper respiratory irritation with black material being coughed and sneezed from workers who are exposed to welding fumes. Metal dust particles are also known to cause headaches.

Manganese, the primary metal in welding wire, can cause workers to feel exhausted, apathetic and weak. It is also a primary cause of headaches. Chronic overexposure to such fumes leads to a condition known as “manganism” which is characterized by neurological and neurobehavioral health problems. The permissible exposure limit (PEL) for manganese is 5.0 milligrams per cubic meter TWA. Manganese is the trigger for EPA Rule 6x. Click HERE to learn more